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Navajo Council debating $5 m. or $15 m. for 110 chapters

NAVAJO NATION COUNCIL IN SPECIAL SESSION TO FINISH UP THEIR MAY 30, 2014, AGENDA. THE COUNCIL DIDN’T FINISH THEIR MAY 30, 2014, BECAUSE THEY LOST A QUORUM. THERE ARE THREE PIECES OF LEGISLATION ON TODAY’S AGENDA.

LEGISLATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR TOM PLATERO
When the Council lost quorum, there were three amendments to LEGISLATION 0102-14, and Two Amendments has been approved by the Council.

AMENDMENT THREE: $3 million for college and high school students for summer employment

DELEGATE LORENZO CURLEY
I think that at that time we were waiting for budget documents and I don’t see documents. Some delegates objected to Amendment Three because it lacked budget documents. Please have staff distribute.

DELEGATE KATHERINE BENALLY
I have an amendment to increase $5 million to $15 million.

DELEGATE ALGON SHEPHERD
Will this delete $5 million in original legislation or would $5 m be part of $15 m and put at jeopardy of $15 m.

DELEGATE KATHERINE BENALLY
It will replace $5 m.

DELEGATE ALTON SHEPHERD
if Prez shud line item veto $15 m then that zeros out everything so suggest a separate budget sheet for $15 m.

CHIEF
because $15 m is main subject of legislation and it does not comply with Appropriations Act then prez shelly cud veto entire legislation, including Amendments 1 & 2, which have already been approved.

DELGATE EDMUND YAZZIE
We don’t want to jeopardize funding for chapters and veterans so have staff talk with prez, who is at Treaty Day at Church Rock, N.M.

DELEGATE MEL BEGAY
this discussion is important to your communities your represent and it is those communities that are asking for assistance. And to me this is an investment. These are people’s funds and they are hoping to have homes renovated, especially at this time, which is summer.